The Government's lack of presence in this debate is scandalous. Constituents are facing debt and despair due to the inability to afford basic necessities. The cost of living crisis includes steep price increases in everyday and essential food items, making the situation worse for millions already living in food insecurity.

I heard shaggy dog mentioned by the hon. Member. I am sure everybody heard shaggy dog.

Inquires about why the Secretary of State is not present and asks what is driving the use of food banks, as reports have been sitting on for 18 months without action from the Department.

Offers to give way twice but does not provide further elaboration in the given text.

My hon. Friend is making a really important point. Last year, the Meadows food bank gave out 38 tonnes of food and fed 40,000 meals to over 2,000 households in Nottingham South. With rising food and energy prices, these numbers are expected to be even higher this year.

In Northern Ireland, 13% of people—241,000—are in poverty, with 17% of children and 14% of pensioners affected. With a 5% increase expected for food prices by Tesco's CEO, those already in poverty face an even worse situation. This Labour motion should be supported.

Asks if my hon. Friend is concerned about Oldham Foodbank having to feed more than 1,000 people a month, as costs continue to rise affecting not just the lowest but also middle income groups.

Asks the hon. Gentleman if he will join in calling on the Welsh Labour Government to work with farmers regarding land planting and securing a future for farming in Wales.

Is concerned about the Government’s plans for environmental land management schemes which may provide incentives for landowners to clear tenants off the land, taking money from taxpayers and reducing our ability to produce food locally.

Asks if the hon. Gentleman will congratulate Welsh Labour Government on their agreement including free school meals for primary school children and strengthening Labour's resolve to turn words into action now.

Pays tribute to all those who work around the clock to keep the nation fed. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is responsible for food security including household food security, and monitoring it.

Asks if funding promised to support more county farms and peri-urban farming has appeared. Also asks whether there is a reason why we should not produce 100% of temperate food that we need, considering the loss of market share under CAP.

Research shows prices up by £741 a year for electricity and gas in his constituency, with petrol and food costs also rising. Asks if hiking national insurance contributions is really the time when constituents are struggling.

Asks what explanation would be offered for a growing number of his constituents in Leeds Central having to go up to strangers at food banks and ask for help because they do not have enough money themselves.

Offers to give way multiple times but no further elaboration provided.

Commends Labour Front-Bench team for tabling the motion. Criticises the inconsistency and chaos of the Conservative Government, highlighting that they have torn up a trade deal with their nearest neighbours and replaced it with one from people on the other side of the world while cutting food miles. Cites Bank of England warnings about inflation reaching 7.25% in April. Reports that the Food Foundation charity data shows 4.7 million adults experienced food insecurity, and National Energy Action estimates 6 million households will be living in fuel poverty. New analysis by Joseph Rowntree Foundation warns poorest families will spend 18% of their income on energy bills after April. Warns that average real wages will still be lower in 2026 than they were at the start of the financial crisis in 2008.

Remarks on how scare stories about Scotland becoming independent have come to pass. Points out that 1 million adults go without food at least once a month, and 640,000 people in Scotland cannot afford their energy bills before the recent increase. Criticises Chancellor's response as inadequate, suggesting it is akin to a payday loan. Calls for energy companies to be given emergency loans rather than individuals who may not be able to pay back later. Asks why VAT on energy bills has not been cut.

Agrees with previous speaker's points, criticising the iniquitous and evil nature of the crisis hitting the least able to afford it. Discusses Scottish Government’s use of limited powers to mitigate the crisis, highlighting a more progressive income tax system that benefits 54% of people in Scotland. Mentions Scottish Government investment of £2.5 billion last year supporting low-income households, nearly £1 billion going directly to children.

Comments on the impact that Brexit has had on our economy, citing OBR estimates. Criticises Government for blaming global factors rather than addressing domestic issues. Mentions the disparity in energy prices compared to France, where it is going up by only 4% while here it increases drastically.

Supports previous speaker’s arguments about Tory Back Benchers reading out Whips’ quotes without regard for reality. Criticises Labour's role in creating the crisis, mentioning inequality in Scotland under Blair-Brown Government. Questions why Labour hasn’t addressed inequalities when they had the chance.